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Best Dispersed Camping near Mackay, ID

54 Reviews

Free dispersed camping near Mackay, Idaho concentrates around Big Lost River, Bear Creek, and Mackay Reservoir. The Big Lost River sites feature pit toilets and fishing access, with approximately 15 spots along the river. One camper noted the area has "incredible views after driving through most of Idaho" though reaching it requires navigating "a bit of washboard road." Bear Creek Dispersed Campground offers more secluded options with some sites providing picnic tables and established fire rings.

Several remote camping areas extend beyond the immediate Mackay vicinity. Corral Creek Canyon provides quiet, spread-out sites with no facilities or cell coverage, situated close to Sun Valley. Lake Creek Road dispersed camping has a 3-day limit in the initial section and 16-day limit further in, with vault toilets available at a small pond area. A visitor described it as having "gorgeous sites with campfire pits already established." Most sites accommodate both tents and small RVs, though larger rigs may find limited options. Pack out all trash as most locations lack garbage service.

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Best Dispersed Sites Near Mackay, Idaho (24)

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Recent Free Dispersed Camping Photos near Mackay, ID

36 Photos of 24 Mackay Campgrounds

Dispersed Camping Reviews near Mackay, ID

54 Reviews of 24 Mackay Campgrounds

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 2, 2021

    Lake Creek Rd Dispersed

    Open Spaces and Free

    This forest service land is a quick drive down Lake Creek Rd from Hwy 75 just past the town of Ketchum in the Sawtooth National Forest. You'll drive through a residential area so mind your speed as there are kids around and lots of cars parked that were crowding into the road a bit as there were construction workers building one of the massive houses along this road. 

    The paved road comes to an end with a large parking or turn around area then turns to a very washboarded dirt/gravel road that runs behind people’s houses so maybe drive a bit slower to keep the dust down until you pass that point. 

    There are multiple areas that are large and mostly flat that pull off the side of this main dirt road. The views are amazing and it seemed quiet. We did not stay here as it was too hot at the time, but we would have because you have nice hiking or biking opportunities here. The pullout spaces are large enough for a good sized rig, we had plenty of space for our 26’ class C. A couple of the sites had stone fire pits but fire restrictions are in effect so no fires at this time.  There are plenty of sites here and they were almost all free when we visited in September.

    There are no amenities here. No garbage or water. You are fully in the sun with no shade. 

    The camping limit is 3 days only. There is one garbage can at near the large turn around/parking area before the road turns to dirt but it was small so just take your trash with you. 

    Good ATT and Verizon cell reception.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2024

    BLM Skull Canyon Road Dispersed

    Dispersed Camping in a Canyon

    Coordinartes: 44.16547,-112.90392. Beautiful views. Large dirt and gravel site, right along side to Skull Canyon Road, about a mile from ID Hwy 28. Canyon walls on each side. Rough narrow rocky track to the site from the highway; recommend high clearance. High humps on this track. Small rock fire ring. Grass and sagebrush all around site. Some leveling may be required. Tent camping possible. Very peaceful; can hardly hear road noise from highway. The only vehicle that drove by was a national forest truck. No cell service. There are several boondocking sites, some with vault toilets nearby, along Hwy 28 in the Birch Creek Recreation Area.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2023

    Antelope Creek

    Close in to Sun Valley

    Nice location, close to town. Close to road but not much traffic. Access can be difficult with steep access from main road and tricky spots along the access road. There are three access spots. Would pick the first or second. The road is difficult between the second and third access roads. Would recommend walking down to see if safe for you and your vehicle. There is more dispersed camping farther up the road but you begin to lose cell coverage.

  • Cia S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 27, 2020

    Winged Fork Pl Dispersed

    Gorgeous site

    On left, out East Fork Rd from Challis. Long ways. Decent dirt road but great drive. Just past private land into National Forest, can see Germainia trailhead from there. Old settlement remains on river. Small metal fire ring Great views and quiet!

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 30, 2021

    Cougar Dispersed Camping Area

    Peaceful Near a Flowing River

    We came here second week of May just after the rangers opened FR-146. We travelled all the way to the end where there is a trailer turn-around. All sites looked nice and we counted 12 designated dispersed sites, #1 was the furthest in. We ended up in 2C(the furthest in of three sites of area #2. The site was next to the river. It was 4.5 miles in on the dirt road and our closest neighbor was back up the road 3.5 miles in camp Murdock, roughly a twenty minute drive. The only animals we saw were ground squirrels. It was so peaceful and a wonderful experience.

  • Fred S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 31, 2024

    Corral Creek Designated Dispersed

    Large dispersed site near creek

    Free designated dispersed campsite along Sawtooth Nation Forest Road 137. Camped here at the end of September 2024. Very large designated dispersed site set downhill from the forest road; no issues with dust from this road. The area is level. May be able to park 3 rigs. Tent camping is possible back from the parking area toward the metal firering. This area can accommodate 3 or 4 tents, or one big hot tent. Corral Creek is just down a short path from the campsite. The sound of the creek can be heard at the site. Very quiet area. Mountains on either side of the site. The parking area is dirt and gravel. The "tent" area is grass and dirt. Don't see opportunities for hammock camping. No cell service. No shade; solar recharging and Starlink possible. 3 day limit. Hiking trailheads and vault toilet at the end of the forest road.

  • Kathryn D.
    Aug. 10, 2024

    Silver Creek Public Access Dispersed

    Creekside!

    Delightful creekside free campsites! Turn at the BLM sign and take a little gravel road to several free creekside spots! There are at least two pit toilets, one at a spot with two picnic tables, each has a great shade, fire pit, and a place for a camp stove! One has a flat raised gravel spot for a tent, which was good because we actually saw a couple mice. The second pit toilet was further down the road at a more separated spot, it looked like it was ADA accessible and also had a picnic table, etc. Close enough to Carey to get gas/ice. Only giving it 4 stars because of the mice (pack out your own trash guys! It isn’t hard!) and the complete lack of trees, the covers over the picnic tables did proved shade, but it still got crazy hot.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 25, 2025

    Silver Creek Public Access Dispersed

    Gorgeous Spot on the River

    Great spots near a slow moving river with bathrooms and shade and picnic tables. The best dispersed camping I have ever found! No trash, so pack it out, and the toilets are buggy, but the scenery and privacy is worth it. You get in far enough and get hidden by sage brush!

  • Rhett B.
    Sep. 27, 2020

    Winged Fork Pl Dispersed

    GPS Coordinates Are Completely Wrong

    GPS coordinates show for Eagle, ID but the drycamping spot isn’t remotely close to Eagle. It’s near Challis, ID.

Guide to Mackay

Mackay, Idaho, offers a fantastic opportunity for those seeking the tranquility of dispersed camping amidst stunning natural landscapes. With a variety of spots to choose from, outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the beauty of the Sawtooth Mountains and surrounding areas.

Dispersed campers should check out Bear Creek Dispersed Campground

  • This location features a scenic road that winds through a canyon, providing access to numerous camping spots with picnic tables and vault toilets.
  • Visitors have noted the abundance of wildflowers and the serene atmosphere, making it a perfect retreat for nature lovers.
  • The area is free to camp and allows pets, making it a great choice for families looking to enjoy the outdoors together.

Tips for free and dispersed camping near Mackay, Idaho

  • When visiting Big Lost River Dispersed, be prepared for a bit of washboard road, but the incredible views and fishing access make it worthwhile.
  • It's advisable to arrive early at Corral Creek Canyon Dispersed to secure a good spot, as the campsites are spread out and can fill up quickly.
  • Keep in mind that many dispersed areas, like Antelope Creek, lack amenities such as drinking water and toilets, so plan accordingly.

Top activities while free camping near Mackay

  • Fishing enthusiasts will appreciate the access to streams and rivers, especially at Big Lost River Dispersed, where the nearby water offers great opportunities for catching fish.
  • Hiking and mountain biking trails are abundant, particularly near Uncle Johns Gulch on Corral Creek Road, providing a chance to explore the beautiful valley and surrounding wilderness.
  • Wildlife watching is a popular activity, with sightings of black bears and other wildlife reported in the area around Bear Creek Dispersed Campground, so keep your camera ready!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the regulations for dispersed camping near Mackay?

Dispersed camping near Mackay follows standard public land regulations. At Cougar Dispersed Camping Area, there are 12 designated dispersed sites that become accessible when rangers open the forest roads, typically in May. Corral Creek Designated Dispersed offers free designated sites along Sawtooth National Forest Road 137. General regulations include a 14-day stay limit within a 30-day period, camping at least 100-200 feet from water sources, using existing fire rings where available, proper waste disposal (pack it out), and respecting seasonal closures. Some areas may have additional fire restrictions during dry months. Check with the local Forest Service or BLM office for current conditions and specific area restrictions.

Is 4WD required to access dispersed camping areas around Mackay?

Four-wheel drive requirements vary by location around Mackay. BLM Skull Canyon Road Dispersed features a rough narrow rocky track with high humps, making high clearance vehicles recommended. Similarly, access to Winged Fork Pl Dispersed involves a decent dirt road that's navigable without 4WD but requires careful driving. By contrast, Corral Creek Canyon Dispersed offers various pullout sites off a gravel road where no 4x4 is required. Many sites along Lake Creek Road are accessible with standard vehicles when conditions are dry, though some locations like Antelope Creek have steep access points that can be challenging. Generally, high-clearance vehicles provide better access options, but many areas remain accessible to careful drivers in passenger cars during good weather.

Where can I find free dispersed camping in Mackay, Idaho?

Mackay offers several excellent free dispersed camping options. Antelope Creek provides a convenient location close to town with multiple access points, though the road between the second and third access can be challenging. For a more remote experience, try Silver Creek Public Access Dispersed, which features delightful creekside sites with picnic tables, shade, fire pits, and even pit toilets. Additional options include BLM land along Skull Canyon Road, Corral Creek areas in Sawtooth National Forest, and sites along East Fork Road past Challis. Most dispersed camping in the area is on public lands managed by the Forest Service or BLM, typically allowing stays up to 14 days.

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